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I know you teach high school, but I have a question regarding an elementary-schooler. I know a second-grader who’s convinced that he’s the smartest in his class (“maybe even the grade!”) and while he really is very smart, I’m not sure that it’s good for him to look down on the other kids the way he does. Any advice on how to curb his ego without being mean? Or might he just outgrow it?

Teaching in Real LifeLeave a comment

Ummm, I have no idea.  I agree that this way of thinking is not good for him, but I wouldn’t know how to talk with him about it.  You could explain how other people feel, or explain a hypothetical situation if someone was treating him that way and how he would feel.  I am not experienced enough with elementary to know, as I don’t know how students would react to my speaking with them.

Good luck!

I know you teach high school, but I have a question regarding an elementary-schooler. I know a second-grader who’s convinced that he’s the smartest in his class (“maybe even the grade!”) and while he really is very smart, I’m not sure that it’s good for him to look down on the other kids the way he does. Any advice on how to curb his ego without being mean? Or might he just outgrow it?

Teaching in Real LifeLeave a comment

Ummm, I have no idea.  I agree that this way of thinking is not good for him, but I wouldn’t know how to talk with him about it.  You could explain how other people feel, or explain a hypothetical situation if someone was treating him that way and how he would feel.  I am not experienced enough with elementary to know, as I don’t know how students would react to my speaking with them.

Good luck!

This year is my most important year of high school (we began the new year a few weeks ago) and I need to get an A in all of my subjects. However, I’m falling behind in physics because my teacher won’t teach us (he reads us sentences from a textbook and calls that ‘teaching’) and when I ask for help, he won’t give it. Due to this, we’ve been going through the course very slowly and if we continue at this pace, it will take us just under 3 school years to finish the 1 year course. What do I do?

Teaching in Real LifeLeave a comment

It is unfortunate that this is happening.  

You could privately and politely share your concerns with your teacher.  Explain that you are not connecting with the work and you feel you need something different to help you succeed.
If this doesn’t help, you may have to talk with the Guidance office or administrative staff to express your concerns.

Good luck.

This year is my most important year of high school (we began the new year a few weeks ago) and I need to get an A in all of my subjects. However, I’m falling behind in physics because my teacher won’t teach us (he reads us sentences from a textbook and calls that ‘teaching’) and when I ask for help, he won’t give it. Due to this, we’ve been going through the course very slowly and if we continue at this pace, it will take us just under 3 school years to finish the 1 year course. What do I do?

Teaching in Real LifeLeave a comment

It is unfortunate that this is happening.  

You could privately and politely share your concerns with your teacher.  Explain that you are not connecting with the work and you feel you need something different to help you succeed.
If this doesn’t help, you may have to talk with the Guidance office or administrative staff to express your concerns.

Good luck.

Hello! You have an amazing blog here because it is interesting to see what a teacher thinks since I’m a high school student. Anyway, I usually get average or worse scores on everything academic unless I study hard. If I do study hard, I get near the top of the class but I only do this for really important tests. Does this make me stupid because I need to study or am I average? Thanks and please continue this blog! It’s really good.

Teaching in Real LifeLeave a comment

It definitely DOES NOT make you stupid!  Studying, hard work and practice are what everyone needs to do!  The amount of time usually differs for individuals, but everyone needs to work hard.  Keep up the hard work!  That level of work ethic will keep you going far in life!

Thank you for your kind comments!

Hello! You have an amazing blog here because it is interesting to see what a teacher thinks since I’m a high school student. Anyway, I usually get average or worse scores on everything academic unless I study hard. If I do study hard, I get near the top of the class but I only do this for really important tests. Does this make me stupid because I need to study or am I average? Thanks and please continue this blog! It’s really good.

Teaching in Real LifeLeave a comment

It definitely DOES NOT make you stupid!  Studying, hard work and practice are what everyone needs to do!  The amount of time usually differs for individuals, but everyone needs to work hard.  Keep up the hard work!  That level of work ethic will keep you going far in life!

Thank you for your kind comments!

When students ask you to write them college rec letters, what kind of stuff do you usually say/include? (assuming you think very positively about the student)

Teaching in Real LifeLeave a comment

One is not supposed to write a negative reference letter; if I did not have a positive relationship with the student, I would have to inform them that I could not write them a letter.

I would normally comment on their work ethic, teamwork and leadership skills, and how that would be beneficial to the program.  It would always be different for each student.

When students ask you to write them college rec letters, what kind of stuff do you usually say/include? (assuming you think very positively about the student)

Teaching in Real LifeLeave a comment

One is not supposed to write a negative reference letter; if I did not have a positive relationship with the student, I would have to inform them that I could not write them a letter.

I would normally comment on their work ethic, teamwork and leadership skills, and how that would be beneficial to the program.  It would always be different for each student.